assigning a number plate on retention to a vehicle

How to transfer a number plate from retention certificate

How do i put a number plate from retention certificate onto my car.

If you have a number plate on a green Retention Document , follow our easy step-by-step guide on how to put it on your car (or other vehicle). If yours is a pink Certificate of Entitlement click to see our V750 Guide .

Guide to putting your number plate from retention onto a car

It's easy to put a private number plate on your car from a Retention Certificate. Here's your checklist:

• Check the expiry date
• Your vehicle MoT is current
• Your vehicle is taxed.

Transfer from Retention Document online:

In many cases your private number plate can be assigned online. But be aware that it MAY be declined if the DVLA wish to do detailed checks or if your MoT / tax is not valid. You must deal direct with the DVLA if this happens.

Have your documents ready

You will need these items:

• V778 Retention Document
• V5C Registration Document
• Payment card (may not be needed unless your Certificate is out of date or you need to tax the vehicle at the same time)

Please check that your vehicle meets the required criteria (such as MoT and tax) before you start. You'll find full information online (see next step).

Click on the link below and follow the instructions

https://www.gov.uk/put-registration-number-vehicle   

(opens new window).

You should follow the steps as shown the website.

You will be notified straightaway whether your application to put the private number plate on your car has been successful. You will also get an email notification (if you asked for it). The DVLA will send you a replacement V5C Registration Document by post (usually within a few days or so).

Some online applications could be declined. If this happens, there will be instructions on the website. Or contact DVLA directly for more help. If you are asked to send your documents to the DVLA the old-fashioned way, take a look at our instructions (below) on how to do this by post.

Swap your number plates

When you transfer a private number plate from retention certificate online, it's done straightaway. So you should swap your number plates over as soon as you can. If you need to get them made up, take ID with you. See Getting number plates made up for details (opens new window).

Ideally, it's best to have the number plates ready before you apply. But if you haven't, then do it as soon as you can.

You do not need to wait for the replacement V5C to arrive from the DVLA . You can start using the your new private number plate on your car as soon as you see the "Applcation Successful" screen online.

Tell your insurance company

It's important to make sure you tell your insurance company as soon as you have online confirmation that your registration number has been put on your vehicle. The DVLA will not do this for you.

Your insurance company will update their records and send you a replacement Policy Schedule. Some insurance companies may charge an admin fee for this service.

Replacement Documents

You will get a new V5C Registration Document from the DVLA, showing the new private registration number. This normally takes just a few days.

You won't get a replacement MoT Certificate. Your MoT and car tax details are automatically updated on the DVLA's computer systems.

We hope you get lots of enjoyment from your new personalised registration number.

Transfer by post:

Some online applications may be declined. So you will probably be asked to send your request in the post. It's not anything to worry about. If this happens, or if you prefer to send by post anyway, here's what you need to do:

Fill in the V778 Retention Document

Complete section 1 "Assigning this vehicle registration number".

The information you need will be on your V5C Registration Document for the vehicle the private number plate is going on. The form must be signed by the person named as Grantee at the top of the Certificate.

Leave the rest of the Retention Certificate (on the right) blank, unless you need to change the name of the nominee or extend the Certificate (if it's expired).

The name on the V5C Registration Document must be the same as either the Grantee or the Nominee on the retention Certificate. If it's not, you'll need to change the nominee name on the right, and a second (Grantee) signature is needed.

Your V5C Registration Document

You will need  your vehicle registration document (often called logbook). The Registered Keeper on the V5C must be the same as the person named as Grantee OR Nominee on the Retention Certificate.

Don't have the V5C Registration Document?

If you have just bought your vehicle, you may not have the V5C in your name yet. You can either wait for that, before applying to have the registration number changed, or you can use the V5C/2 New Keeper Supplement (small green slip) from the Registration Document. Send the V5C/2 with a completed DVLA V62 form instead of the V5C Registration Document.

If you've lost the V5C, then complete the V62 application form . Full instructions are on the form.

What happens to my MoT and tax?

If you're still not sure, contact the DVLA for help.

Step 3: Send to DVLA Swansea

Address is printed on the back of the V750 Certificate.

There are no more fees to pay for the assignment of your new private registration number to your vehicle.

Step 4: Wait for DVLA. Can take 2-3 weeks.

The DVLA will take up to 15 working days to change the registration number for your vehicle. In the meantime, continue to drive your vehicle as normal. You don't need to change anything at this point.

Do not swap your number plates yet!

Step 5: DVLA confirm number plate assigned

You will receive a letter from the DVLA confirming your new private registration number has been assigned to your vehicle.

You will NOT receive a replacement MoT Certificate, but the DVLA's systems will be updated. Just take your vehicle from MoT as usual.

Step 6: Replacement Documents

DVLA will send you a replacement V5C Registration Document, displaying your new registration number.

A replacement MoT will not be sent, but the DVLA's computer systems will be updated.

Step 7: Swap your number plates

Change your number plates as soon as you can after you have been notified by the DVLA.

Step 8: Tell your insurance company

Call your insurance company to let them know the registration number for your vehicle has been changed. The DVLA will not do this for you.

They will update their records and send you a replacement Policy Schedule. Some insurance companies make an admin charge for this.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions:

What happens to the existing number plate on my car?

What happens to my MoT and tax when I put a private number plate on my car?

What happens to my private number plate when I change my car?

My Certificate has expired, or is about to expire. What do I do?

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Private (personalised) number plates

Take a private number off a vehicle.

You can apply to take a private (personalised) number off a vehicle if you want to either:

• keep the number to use later
• assign it to another vehicle

You cannot keep a number starting with ‘Q’ or ‘NIQ’.

The vehicle’s original registration number is usually reassigned to it automatically when you take off a private number.

If your application is successful you’ll be sent a V778 retention document and a new log book (V5C).

You must have your V778 and new log book before you scrap or sell your vehicle - otherwise you’ll lose the right to use the private number.

Eligibility

The vehicle must:

• be registered with DVLA in the UK
• be able to move under its own power
• be of a type that needs an MOT or heavy goods vehicle ( HGV ) test certificate
• be available for inspection - DVLA will contact you if they need to inspect your vehicle
• have been taxed or had a SORN in place continuously for the past 5 years
• be taxed currently or have a SORN in place - if it’s had a SORN in place for more than 5 years, it must be taxed and have an MOT certificate

If you have a historic (classic) vehicle you’ll also need a current MOT certificate, even if your vehicle is usually exempt from MOTs.

Apply to take off a number

You can apply online or by post. It costs £80. You must have the vehicle’s log book (V5C).

If the vehicle’s not in your name, you have to apply by post.

Apply online

The number will be removed immediately if your vehicle does not need an inspection.

You can assign the number to another vehicle as soon as you’ve applied to take it off - use the reference number you get after you apply.

Take off a number online

This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It’s also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) .

Apply by post

Send all of the following to DVLA :

• a V317 ‘transfer or retain a vehicle registration number’ form - the address is on the form
• the vehicle’s log book (V5C) or green ‘new keeper’ slip with a completed V62 ‘application for a vehicle registration certificate V5C’
• the £80 transfer fee

To tax your vehicle at the same time, send all of the following:

• a V10 ‘application for vehicle tax’ form
• the right amount of vehicle tax
• an MOT certificate

After you apply

Your original number plate will usually be reassigned to your vehicle automatically, if your application is successful. This will happen straight away.

You’ll be sent:

• a new log book (V5C) showing the vehicle’s replacement registration number - it can take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive
• your original MOT back (if you sent it to tax the vehicle)
• a V778 retention document if the private number is in your name

If the private number is in someone else’s name, the V778 document will be sent to them.

Before you can drive your vehicle, you must:

• put the original or new number plates on the vehicle before you drive it
• tell your insurance company your new registration number

Who to tell about your new registration number

You must tell your insurance company.

Update your registration number for any automatic payment accounts you have, for example to pay:

• the Congestion Charge
• the Low Emission Zone Charge
• the Ultra Low Emission Zone Charge
• the Dart Charge
• charges for driving in Clean Air Zones

You may get a penalty charge if you do not update your registration details and enter one of these zones.

If your vehicle has Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation scheme certification, you also need to tell them your new registration number.

What happens to the private number

Your V778 retention document proves that you still have the right to assign the private number for the next 10 years.

You must renew your right to use a private number before the V778 expires.

You can give up your right to use the private number if you decide not to assign it.

Part of Get a private (personalised) number plate: step by step

Step 1 : buy a private number.

• Find out how you can buy a number

Step 2 : Assign your private number to a vehicle

• Apply to assign a private number to a vehicle

or Keep your private number

You do not have to assign your number to a vehicle.

You must renew your right to use the number every 10 years.

• Check how to renew your number

Step 3 : Get a new number plate made

If you assign your private number to a vehicle you must get a number plate made up from a registered supplier.

• Check the rules for number plates
• Check what documents you need to get a number plate made
• Find your nearest number plate supplier

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Frequently Asked Questions

Try our FAQ search

How do I assign or transfer a number plate from a certificate to a vehicle?

The transferring of a private registration plate from a certificate (V750/V778) to a vehicle is commonly known as 'assignment'.

You will need to send the full V5C (log book) for the vehicle, and the certificate, to the DVLA who will arrange for the assignment and you will receive a replacement V5C back in the post showing the new registration. At this point you can inform your insurer of the change and display the acrylic plates on the vehicle. Any applicable tax and MOT records will be automatically updated.

Alternatively you can attempt the assignment online.

Further information can be found on our page about assigning a private plate to a vehicle .

If the private plate is already on a vehicle, we also have instructions on how to transfer a registration from one vehicle onto another .

Related Questions

• What Happens After I Remove My Number Plate?
• How and When Do I Remove My Number Plate?
• When Should I Remove My Private Number Plate?
• Can I Put A Personal Number Plate On A Motability Scheme Car?
• What are the basic regulations surrounding transfers?
• How do I transfer a number plate from one vehicle to another?
• Can I put a personal number plate on a leased car?
• How long does it take to assign a private number plate
• What is the Retention Scheme?
• I filled in the wrong section of the V317 form

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How To Assign a Personal Number Plate To a Vehicle

If you have recently bought a new car, you may want to treat yourself to a brand-new personalised number plate . But you might be wondering how on earth you can transfer a new number plate to your vehicle? You will be pleased to know that the process for doing this is fairly straightforward and can be completed via post or even online.

You can purchase private number plates either on a Retention Certificate or transfer directly to a vehicle, so if you currently have your registration on a Certificate of Entitlement or Retention Certificate, read on to find out exactly how to assign a private number plate to your car .

Contents of this article include the following:

How to assign a private number plate online, how to assign a private number plate by post, how long does it take to assign a private number plate.

• How to transfer a registration number from one car to another?
• How does it work if I want to give a personalised number plate as a gift?

When it comes to purchasing a new number plate for your car, you can buy a private number plate from a private company or individual. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to bring any documents with you – you only need to have the correct documentation to get a number plate made once you are ready to assign the private number plate to your vehicle.

Once the plate has been successfully bought, you will have one of the following:

• Your retention document (V778)
• Your Certificate of Entitlement (V750)
• An online reference number

Either one of these will prove that your number plate is owned by you.

It is worth bearing it mind that you cannot use a private number plate on your car that dupes people into thinking the vehicle is newer than it is – for instance, using an “18” registration number on a 2008 registered vehicle. In addition, you are unable to assign a number starting with “Q” or “NIQ” or put a private plate on a “Q” registered vehicle. Dateless registrations are able to go on to vehicles of any age.

1. How to apply to assign a number plate to your car?

When it comes to assigning a number plate to a car, the vehicle must be registered to you. Then you can begin the process of transferring the number plate to your vehicle – either online or via post.

If you go into a company and purchase a personalised number plate in the flesh, most will transfer the number to your vehicle for you – free of charge. However, if you purchase a plate online, or want to keep or assign the number plate yourself, ask the company for a V750 or V778 certificate so you can complete the process at home. But how do you go about putting a private plate on a new car? We’ve got you covered:

You are not required to pay a fee to do this, but you must ensure all your documentation is in order. This includes having a valid V778 document, or a V750 certificate that hasn’t expired.

Bear in mind that if you have recently bought the vehicle and are not the registered keeper, you must wait until you have the complete up-to-date V5C log book.

Once the application has been accepted by the DVLA, you will receive a confirmation email with a number plate authorisation certificate (eV958). If you already have your plates, make sure they are fitted as soon as possible. But remember, before driving with your new plates, you must tell your insurance company that your registration number has been changed, otherwise you will not be insured.

However, if you need to have your new plates made up, you can go ahead once you have received your new log book (V5C) or using your V750/V778 certificate at a DVLA approved number plate supplier . You can also use the number plate authorisation certificate (eV958) as confirmation too.

If you do not have access to the internet, you can also submit your paperwork to the DVLA by post, but this can take considerably longer. In some cases, sending the documents by post is necessary as you may get a message stating the following:

• This registration number cannot be assigned” or;
• We need to look into your application further due to the vehicle’s licensing history”

You must send your application and the appropriate documents to: DVLA Personalised Registrations, Swansea, SA99 1DS

After you assign a private number plate to your car, you will be sent a new log book in the post – otherwise known as a V5C – which can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to arrive. But don’t worry, you don’t have to wait over a month to use your plates; you can use your new plates straight away, once your application has been approved.

2. How to transfer a registration number from one car to another?

Photo credit: Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock

If your private plate is in situ on another vehicle, the process is slightly longer and must be processed in two simple stages. You might be wondering “how to remove a personalised number plate?” – to do this, you must put the plate on retention (online or via post).

To keep your registration number plate once you remove it, you are required to fill out a V317 form (section B) to notify the authorities that the plate will be removed. The form will give you a range of options for what you want to happen to the number once it’s removed, such as transfer a private plate from one car to another.

The process of removing a number plate requires you to pay a one-off fee of £80. If you are transferring number plates to a new car, you will need the vehicle’s log book (V5C) handy. If you apply online, the personalised number will be removed immediately (if your vehicle does not need an inspection). As soon as you’ve applied to remove your plate, use the reference number you get after you apply.

However, if you are completing the application by post, the number plate will be removed within two weeks if your vehicle doesn’t need an inspection. You must send the following to the DVLA:

• V317 "transfer or retain a vehicle registration number" form
• Your vehicle’s log book (V5C) or the new keeper’s supplement with a completed V62 “application for a vehicle registration certificate V5C”
• £80 fee

Once it has been removed, the next step is to assign the number plate, which allows you to begin the process of changing personalised number plates to a new car.

To find out how to do this, read the “ How to apply to assign a number plate to your car ” section of this article.

Photo credit: james Weston / Shutterstock

3. What happens if I want to give a personalised number plate as a gift?

If you would like to gift a personalised number plate , it is much easier than you may think. The process is similar to if you would do if you were purchasing a personalised number plate of your own.

When it comes to purchasing a personalised number plate, like if you were choosing for yourself, you don’t need any vehicle documents. These are only required for the transfer of the registration which can be completed by the gift receiver at a later date. After you have picked the perfect reg plate, the personalised plate will be added to a certificate which will have your name as the “purchase” and the gift receivers name as the “nominee”.

You can request to have the plate delivered to an address – either your own or the receivers. But if you are not ready to gift the plate so early, you can keep a hold of the number plate for a year, free of charge. After one year, you will be charged £25 by the DVLA to renew it.

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How to put a number plate on retention.

If you want to take a private number plate off a vehicle in preparation for selling the registration or placing it onto a different vehicle, then it is usually possible to do so. One of the few exceptions is if your number begins with “Q” or “NIQ”, in which case it cannot be retained. These are reserved for vehicles whose year of origin is unknown.

Eligibility

There are a list of conditions the DVLA requires to be met before it will issue a V778 retention document:

• The vehicle must be capable of being moved by its own power
• The vehicle must normally require an MOT or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) test
• The vehicle should already be registered with the DVLA
• The vehicle must be available for the DVLA to inspect, should they choose to do so
• You must hold the V5C, or log book, for the vehicle
• The car or van should either be taxed or have had a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) in place for the past five consecutive years. It must be taxed at present or hold a SORN. If it has been subject to a SORN for over five years, then it must be taxed before applying for the V778.

How to apply for number plate retention

You may make your application online or by post. If the vehicle is not in your own name, then you can only apply via post.

Online applications

The number will be removed with immediate effect, so you can assign it to another car or van straight away if you wish. You will need the reference number given in order to do this.

Postal applications

Assuming your vehicle does not require a DVLA inspection, then the number will be removed from it within a fortnight.

You need to send a specific set of documents to the DVLA, as follows:

• A completed V317 “Apply to keep a vehicle registration number and put it on another vehicle” form
• The log book
• You also need to pay the DVLA transfer fee, which is currently £80

Untaxed vehicles

As stated above, you may need to tax your vehicle . You can do this at the same time by sending a completed V10 “Apply for vehicle tax” form and payment for the tax due.

What happens next?

It can take up to six weeks to receive all the documentation you need from the DVLA. They should send back your amended V5C, which will now show the new registration number. Usually, this will be the car or van’s original registration number. You should also get your V778 retention document, and your MOT certificate should also be returned to you. If the private number belongs to another person, then the V778 should be sent directly to them.

How long is the retention for?

Your V778 is proof that you have the right to reassign the registration within 10 years of its date. You must not dispose of or sell the vehicle before you receive the V778, or you could lose your right to use that registration elsewhere. It is free to renew the V778, which must be done every 10 years before the current document expires.  

Other related FAQs

How long does number plate retention last.

Number plate retention lasts for 10 years or until you use the plate on a vehicle, whichever comes first. After 10 years, you must renew your retention certificate if you still have no vehicle to assign your number plate to.

How To Take A Private Number Plate Off Retention

To take a private number plate off retention, you need documents including the V778 retention document, the V5 registration document for the receiving vehicle and an MOT certificate if your vehicle requires one.

What Is A Retention Certificate For A Number Plate?

A retention certificate for a number plate is an official DVLA form confirming that you are the legal owner of that plate. It allows you to keep or purchase a number plate without assigning it to a vehicle.

What Does A Number Plate On Retention Mean?

If you want to keep or purchase a number plate without assigning it to a vehicle, you can put it on retention. By doing this, you’re essentially retaining the registration to use at a later date of your choosing.

How Long Does A Number Plate Stay On Retention?

Current DVLA guidelines state that a number plate can stay on retention for a maximum of 10 years before needing to be renewed. The retention fee is £80, but renewals are free and don’t take long to process.

Can I Retain My Number Plate Online?

Yes. The most likely reason for this is you've bought a new car and want to move your personal number plate over to your new vehicle. This is a relatively simple process and can be done through the DVLA website.

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Number plate retention guide

September 06, 2022 by carwow staff

If you’ve splashed out for a personalised number plate, the chances are you’ll want to keep it when you scrap or sell your car. This guide will walk you through how to retain your private plate.

There are a few ways you can put your number plate on retention, whether you want to put it on a different car or not. You’ll just need a few documents and there is a fee to pay as well.

Am I able to retain my number plate?

In order to retain your private plate, you need to have your car’s V5C logbook . If you’ve lost this, you can apply to have a new one sent to you . There are few other conditions to meet before you’re eligible to retain your number plate:

• The car must be registered with the DVLA in the UK
• It must be drivable under its own power
• The car has to be eligible for an MoT certificate (although it doesn’t have to have one at the time you apply to retain your plate)
• The DVLA may need to inspect your car, so it has to be available for this
• The vehicle has to have been taxed or declared SORN continuously for the last 5 years
• It must be taxed currently or be declared SORN. If it’s been SORN for over 5 years, you’ll need to tax and MOT the car.
• If you have a classic car which is usually exempt from MOTs, you still need a valid MOT certificate for it to retain the number plate

Something worth bearing in mind is that if your car is written off, you need to tell your insurance company that you want to keep your private plate or you’ll lose it. Once the insurance company has paid out for your car, the registration number becomes its property. You need to be quick as well, as once the car is scrapped you can’t get the plate back.

How to put a number plate on retention

You can either put your number plate on retention by post or online. It will be quicker and easier online, but the fee is £80 either way.

You can apply to retain your number plate online quickly and easily using a form on the gov.uk website . You’ll just need the reference number from your V5C logbook.

If your online application is successful, and if your vehicle doesn’t require inspection, you can assign the number plate to a new car using the reference number they give you.

Applying by post adds some steps and will take longer, but it’s still pretty straightforward. You’ll need your V5C logbook, or the green ‘new keeper’ slip and a completed V62 form if you recently bought the car and don’t have a V5C yet.

You’ll also need a V317 ‘transfer or retain a vehicle registration number’ form. Once all this paperwork is filled out, you need to send it to the DVLA. The address for this is on the form.

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What happens once i’ve contacted the dvla.

If your application is successful, your original number plate will automatically be reassigned to the vehicle straight away. The DVLA will contact you if your vehicle needs an inspection and arrange for it to be looked at.

You’ll be sent an updated V5C with your car’s original registration number, this can take between four and six weeks to arrive. You will also get a V778 retention document.

The V778 proves that you have the right to assign the private number plate for the next 10 years. You have to renew this before it expires if you wish to keep it on retention for longer. You can also give up your right to the number if you don’t intend to use it again.

Once you have changed your number plate , you need to inform your insurance company of the change. You will also need to update the plate on any automatic payment accounts as well for things like the London Congestion Charge or the ULEZ charge. You’ll also need to display the original number plates on the car if you wish to drive it.

Number plate retention FAQs

Can i keep my private number plate without putting it on another car.

Yes. Once you’ve got the V778 retention document then you have the rights to that personalised plate for 10 years. Just bear in mind that, even if you’re not using the plate, you still have to renew the V778 after 10 years.

Can I gift or sell my private number plate?

As long as you own the number plate, you can let someone else use it by either giving it to them or selling it privately. You can do this online or by post using the V5C of the car you want to transfer it to.

If you’re doing this by post, you’ll need to send the V5C of the car you wish to transfer the private plate to, along with either your V750 or V778 to the DVLA. In both cases you just need to fill out and sign sections one and two.

Can I put a private number plate on a car I’m leasing or financing?

You can arrange to have your private plate fitted to your lease car. You’ll need to speak to your leasing company about it, and it’s a lot easier to transfer the plate after the car has arrived. We advise that you transfer the plate off the car again around two months before the agreement ends.

It’s more straightforward to put a private plate on a car you own through finance because, unlike with leasing, you are the registered keeper of the car. You can do this yourself online or by sending your V788 to the DVLA as previously mentioned.

If your car is on PCP finance, and you don’t plan to make the final payment to own the car outright, you should arrange to transfer the plate off the car around two months before the agreement ends.

What happens if my retention certificate expires?

All retention certificates only last for have an expiration date, and while it is possible to renew if before this comes up, if you forget to do so it is not possible to renew it, meaning you will lose any claim to the plate.

Is there any reason why my private number plate might be denied a retention certificate?

The DVLA will renew a retention in most circumstances, but there are a couple that could seem them refuse. If your personalised plate could be interpreted as being offensive, it can retrospectively be added to the list of banned number plates. Plus the DVLA has a ‘two strikes’ rule, which means drivers who use non-standard spacing, fonts, or other design aspects on their number plate will have the plate rescinded if they are stopped twice for the offence by police.

How can I check if a number plate is on retention?

If there’s a particular number plate you would like and you want to find out if it is in use on a car, or on retention, a quick search on the DVLA’s personalised registrations page should point you in the right direction. You could also use the DVSA’s MoT checker to see what car a specific number plate is on.

Looking for an easy way to change your car ? Then carwow is the place to go. You can sell your old car simply by uploading a few pictures and answering some basic questions before our network of trusted dealers can start bidding on it, ensuring you get the best possible price.  Your car will be collected from your door, with you receiving payment at the same time. 

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How to transfer a private number plate

Our guide will walk you through the steps required to successfully transfer a private plate.

There are 3 types of private plate transfers

Vehicle to vehicle, document to vehicle, vehicle to document.

The process of transferring a registration number from one vehicle to another is fairly straightforward. It can be done online in a few minutes or by post.

The procedures are as follows.

Transfer online

Step 1 take your private number plate off of your vehicle..

• Visit the Take a registration off a vehicle page on the DVLA website.
• Type in the registration number you want to remove.
• Fill in the relevant sections with your V5C (logbook) document reference number and the registered keeper's postcode as it appears on the logbook.
• Confirm that you are the registered keeper by clicking ' yes I am .'
• Pay £80 to complete the removal of the private number plate.
• You will be provided with a reference number. Make a note of this to use in Step 2 .

As long as your vehicle does not require an inspection, the private registration will be removed straight away.

Step 2 Assign your number plate to your vehicle.

• Visit the Assign a number page on the DVLA website.
• Where asked, enter the private registration number that you're looking to put on your vehicle.
• When asked if you are the grantee/purchaser, select the option ' Yes, I am the grantee/purchaser '
• Complete all details as requested. You will need to refer to your V5C registration document.
• When asked, enter the reference number you were given at the end of Step 1 "Take your private number plate off your vehicle" above.
• Submit the completed form.

Transfer by post

• Download the V317 form .
• Follow the 'Option A' instructions on the V317 document. You will need the information from the V5C (logbooks) of both the vehicle you are taking the private number plate off of and the vehicle you are transferring the private number plate to.
• Enclose a cheque of £80 payable to ' DVLA Swansea ' along with the V317 form and the V5C (logbooks) of both vehicles.
• Send the documents to the DVLA. The address you need to send them to is displayed on the V317 document.

Assuming a successful application, you will be sent new, updated V5C registration documents for both vehicles, usually within 2 weeks. Failures and delays usually only occur if there have been errors or omissions.

It is possible to replace a vehicle's current registration number with a private number plate from a V750 Certificate of Entitlement or a V778 Retention Document.

• Check the expiry date on your V750 or V778 to make sure it is still valid.
• Ensure that the registered keeper for the receiving vehicle matches the Grantee or Nominee name on the certificate.
• Visit the Assign a private number page on the DVLA website.
• Fill out your vehicle details including your current vehicle registration number and the latest logbook (V5C) document reference number.
• Then enter the registered keeper's postcode as it appears on the logbook.
• When asked, enter the required details from your V750/V778 certificate.
• Complete relevant sections of your V750 or V778 document and sign it where instructed.
• Send a cheque for £80 payable to 'DVLA Swansea' along with your certificate (V750/V778) and the V5C (logbook) of your vehicle to the DVLA at the address shown on the documents.

A registration that you want to remove from a car and keep for later use or sale may be stored in the form of a certificate. This is known as retaining a registration.

Please see our comprehensive page on how to retain a number plate for details of the process and how to complete it.

What are the 2 types of number plate certificates?

When a registration is not assigned to a vehicle.

Registration entitlement is granted on a Certificate of Entitlement (Form V750) OR on a Retention Document (Form V778).

Certificate of Entitlement (Form V750)

The Certificate of Entitlement (Form V750) is a pink document issued by the DVLA for a vehicle registration that hasn't been put on a vehicle before. A V750 shows that the original purchaser is entitled to the number plate for 10 years.

Retention Document (Form V778)

The Retention Document (Form V778) is a green document also issued by the DVLA for a registration number that has been previously assigned to a vehicle. A V778 shows that the grantee is entitled to the number plate for 10 years.

We encourage renewal of Certificates and Retention Documents well in advance of the expiry date.

The steps you need to take are found on our How to retain a number plate page.

What are the vehicle requirements for transferring a number plate?

To satisfy the rules governing the transfer of a private registration, the vehicle to which the number is being transferred must:

• be registered with DVLA in the UK
• be able to move under its own power
• be of a type that needs an MOT or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) test certificate
• be available for inspection - DVLA will contact you if they need to inspect your vehicle
• have been taxed or been covered by a Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN) continuously for the past five years
• have current road tax or be covered by a current SORN. If the vehicle has had a SORN in place for more than five years, it must be taxed and have a current MOT certificate
• If you have a historic (classic) vehicle you'll also need a current MOT certificate, even if your vehicle is usually exempt from MOTs.
• If the registration is being transferred from one vehicle to another, then both vehicles must satisfy the criteria listed above.

Trust the team

Transferring a vehicle registration is a simple process. Of course, many people prefer the peace of mind provided by an experienced, professional team. That's why Regtransfers offers our customers the option of a fully managed transfer service, taking care of all red tape and formalities.

When you buy a registration with us select ' Hassle-free Transfer Service '.

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• How to retain a registration
• Car registration plates
• How DVLA issue car registrations
• What to do if your personal number plate is stolen
• What to do if your personal number plate is cloned

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The role of DVLA

Car registrations and number plates, including personalised number plates, in the UK, are the responsibility of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, usually known as the DVLA. It issues new registrations twice a year and also maintains the central database that records details of all vehicles licensed to drive on UK roads, along with their keeper and registration information.

Regtransfers works closely with DVLA to complete registration transfers as quickly and efficiently as possible. Regtransfers is a DVLA-registered supplier of personal car registrations and number plates and is listed on the DVLA Registrations website. All number plates supplied by Regtransfers comply with DVLA's prescribed standards and regulations.

DVLA administers all UK registration transfers and issues updated registration documents when the registration number of a car is changed, or when a registration is removed from a vehicle and placed on a retention document in accordance with the DVLA Retention Scheme .

DVLA is a registered trade mark of the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. Regtransfers is not affiliated with the DVLA or DVLA Personalised Registrations. Regtransfers is a recognised reseller of unissued Government stock.

Number plate regulations

When a car is on the road, it is an offence to display number plates bearing any number other than the vehicle's officially recorded registration number. If you purchase a private registration, learn how to transfer private plates before displaying the new number.

All registration number plates displayed on UK vehicles must comply with the official number plate regulations . DVLA oversees enforcement of number plates display regulations and maintains a register of approved manufacturers and retailers of vehicle number plates.

Regtransfers is not part of, and is not formally affiliated with DVLA.

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